ATLANTA — Stacey Abrams backed a plan to legalize casino gambling and sports betting to fund an expansion of the HOPE scholarship and finance a needs-based program as part of a revamped economic platform she hopes will boost her challenge to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp.
The Democrat said the new tax dollars generated by legalized gambling would be a "permanent source of revenue to underwrite broader access to education" during a heavily publicized speech Tuesday at a downtown Atlanta brewery.
"Studies project that the potential for billions exists in economic impact, funds that will not only finance our efforts to replenish and expand the HOPE scholarship but it will also provide new economic opportunities for Georgia that can grow jobs and make our economy stronger for everyone," she said.
